Chapter 1993: Fire Gourd

As Mang Dang and his people clashed with the Nuoshan Palace cultivators they had encountered, their opponents suddenly seemed to receive an order. They abandoned the fight and converged on Wanxiang Island.

Soon after, the six Sun-Gazers of the Wanxiang Star System arrived. They engaged in a brief skirmish with the Nuoshan Palace Sun-Gazers, leading to the current standoff.

"Nuoshan Palace is likely preparing to withdraw," Mang Dang said, gesturing towards Wanxiang Island. "We don't know what they're setting up over there."

Following his gaze, Lu Ye saw a large number of Nuoshan Palace cultivators gathered in a specific area of Wanxiang Island. Even two Sun-Gazers were among them, all busily working. At that spot, an altar-like structure was being rapidly constructed.

Lu Ye had been wondering how the Nuoshan Palace forces would withdraw, but this sight immediately gave him the answer. Indeed, if Nuoshan Palace possessed the means to activate an ultra-long-distance teleportation array using Yaya's aura as a source, it was only natural they could also set up a return teleportation array. However, such an unusual method seemed incredible. Lu Ye speculated that they had likely leveraged some special treasure, as there was no other logical way they could achieve this.

On Wanxiang Island, a multitude of Nuoshan Palace cultivators worked ceaselessly, protected by two Sun-Gazers. Beyond Wanxiang Island, six figures from Nuoshan Palace faced off against six from the local star system in a distant standoff.

In the local star system's contingent, Lu Ye recognized Mu Qing and Mo Wenli. He did not know the other four, as he had never met them.

"The white-haired elder leading them is Yuan Se, from One-Essence Realm," Mang Dang's voice suddenly chimed in. "Yuan Se?" Lu Ye asked, intrigued. "What's his relation to Yuan Du?" The two must be related, sharing the same surname and both originating from One-Essence Realm.

Mang Dang's background was significantly more privileged than Lu Ye's, with the Five-Color Domain being one of the top realms. He appeared to possess much more information about the Wanxiang Star System than Lu Ye. His sudden disclosure clearly served as a subtle warning, especially given that the conflict between Lu Ye and Yuan Du was widely known across the Wanxiang Sea.

"It is said that Yuan Se is Yuan Du's clan uncle and also his master. Yuan Du was essentially trained by Yuan Se himself."

Lu Ye nodded slightly, committing this information to memory. Yuan Du had died by his hand. Although the blood sea had spread and no one witnessed the exact event, this matter could not be concealed, especially with Gu Xi and Chen Xuanba involved. This feud was now firmly established. Given the close relationship between Yuan Se and Yuan Du, Lu Ye knew he needed to be especially careful.

"Who are the others?" Lu Ye inquired.

Mang Dang carefully surveyed the group before replying, "You should recognize Mu Qing and Mo Wenli. As for the other three... the delicate-looking woman is likely Le Qingqing, who, like Chen Xuanba, hails from Vast Sky Continent. The one holding Mu Qing's hand is probably her Dao Companion, Zhou Ye; he isn't originally from the Wanxiang Star System, but settled in Kunyu Realm many years ago because of his connection to Mu Qing. The last one should be Yan Guyi from Heavenly Flame Realm."

The Wanxiang Star System comprises six major realms: One-Essence Realm, Heavenly Flame Realm, Kunyu Realm, Illusion God Realm, Vast Sky Continent, and Chime Bell Realm. This doesn't imply that these are the only realms with living beings in the star system, but rather that Sun-Gazers have emerged in all six of them.

Previously, almost every realm had two Sun-Gazers, with the exception of Jiu Yan's Chime Bell Realm. However, with Jiu Yan absent, only six are currently gathered here.

The six exuded an imposing aura, but their six opponents were equally formidable, perhaps even stronger. Furthermore, Nuoshan Palace had two additional Sun-Gazers remaining on Wanxiang Island. This situation caused considerable unease for Yuan Se and the others. The scale of the changes in Wanxiang Sea today was unprecedented in tens of thousands of years. Having rushed there upon receiving the news, they naturally understood Nuoshan Palace's intention to withdraw.

Wanxiang Island lay in ruins. Beyond the main island, several top-tier spiritual islands and even dozens of high-grade spiritual islands had been completely plundered. Countless cultivators had fallen victim to Nuoshan Palace. Now, with Nuoshan Palace preparing to withdraw, the Wanxiang forces could not simply stand by. If Nuoshan Palace were allowed to retreat safely, the Wanxiang Sea would no longer be under local control. If the local authorities couldn't even guarantee the safety of foreign cultivators' lives and wealth, what right would they have to govern the Wanxiang Sea?

However, Nuoshan Palace was a formidable power. While the six Sun-Gazers from Wanxiang were numerous, they might not be able to defeat their opponents in a full-scale confrontation. Furthermore, at this moment, countless cultivators on the Wanxiang Sea had their eyes fixed on this standoff. If the local forces handled this poorly, their star system would face utter disgrace.

On Wanxiang Island, the altar being constructed by Nuoshan Palace was nearing completion and would likely be ready for activation very soon. Yuan Se knew there was no time to delay. He exhaled softly and stepped forward, challenging, "Shang Chengyue, do you dare to engage in a wager with this old man?"

Shang Chengyue, a faint smile playing on his lips, leisurely asked, "How do you wish to wager? And what will be the stake?" If the six Sun-Gazers on the opposing side were to intervene recklessly, their withdrawal would indeed become difficult. However, hearing Yuan Se's words, Shang Chengyue sensed a plan, vaguely perceiving an intention that aligned perfectly with his own thoughts.

One side sought to depart, the other to prevent it, yet neither truly desired a full-scale battle. Under the circumstances, it made sense for the two leaders to engage in a duel to determine who was stronger, and then a resolution could be reached.

Yuan Se stated, "We'll wager the lives of all your Nuoshan Palace cultivators below the Sun-Gazer realm! If you win, you may leave with your people; I will not impede you. But if you lose..." "What then?" Shang Chengyue inquired, raising an eyebrow.

A fierce glint flashed in Yuan Se's eyes: "Today, Wanxiang Island will run red with blood!" His proposed terms did not include the Nuoshan Palace Sun-Gazers, for even if he were to win, he couldn't compel them to meekly accept their fate.

However, the situation was different for those below the Sun-Gazer realm. If he could defeat Shang Chengyue, it would certainly make the Nuoshan Palace Sun-Gazers hesitate, forcing them to leave behind a significant number of their cultivators. This would at least provide some measure of accountability to the spiritual islands that had suffered.

"Very well!" Shang Chengyue replied with an indifferent, relaxed expression, as if Yuan Se held no significance to him. "Then I shall engage in this wager with you!" As his final word echoed, he lunged ferociously towards Yuan Se.

A preemptive strike! Behind Yuan Se, the five Wanxiang Sun-Gazers were all startled, but Yuan Se, as if expecting it, showed no hint of panic.

As a member of the Feathered Tribe, Shang Chengyue possessed extreme speed and deadly combat prowess. Before he even reached Yuan Se, his twin wings flapped, sending streaks of white light, like flashes of lightning, to engulf his opponent.

Yuan Se remained unmoving, simply reaching out. Suddenly, an object appeared in his hand.

From a distance, Lu Ye watched intently. At that moment, his eyes lit up, his gaze fixed on Yuan Se's hand without wavering. In Yuan Se's grasp was a gourd-shaped treasure, antique and elegant, adorned with intricate patterns, appearing remarkably extraordinary.

A Treasure Gourd! Lu Ye instantly recognized its true nature. This was clearly an artifact of the Creation Vine, originating from the same source as his Sword Gourd and Pill Gourd.

To his knowledge, a Wind Gourd existed in another realm, serving as its guardian treasure, though he had never personally seen it. Yet, here on the Wanxiang Sea, a Treasure Gourd was in Yuan Se's hand. What were its unique properties and powers?

He was reminded of something: earlier, in the Asura Arena, he had placed his Sword Gourd on a high platform and received feedback from the arena. That information revealed there were seven artifacts of the Creation Vine in total, and gathering all seven Treasure Gourds would unlock the wonders of creation.

He was unsure what these "wonders of creation" truly entailed, but he knew they must be extraordinary.

Just as these thoughts crossed his mind, Yuan Se suddenly uttered a soft cry: "Burn!" The gourd immediately emitted a brilliant red light, becoming incredibly hot, so much so that the area around Yuan Se began to distort from the intense heat.

The next instant, a stream of fire shot from the gourd's mouth. It wasn't fierce or large, appearing more like a small fiery snake. Yet, the moment this tiny fiery snake emerged, Lu Ye suddenly felt an unusual reaction from his Talent Tree.

He paused, startled, and quickly focused his senses. He detected a distinct craving emanating from his Talent Tree, which caused his expression to become peculiar.

Curiously, when he was much weaker, his Talent Tree had indeed reacted to certain fire-elemental treasures. However, as his strength grew and the Talent Tree underwent constant transformation, such reactions had ceased entirely. Until today...

Lu Ye instantly realized that the fiery snake unleashed from Yuan Se's treasure gourd held immense value for his Talent Tree. The absence of prior reactions was due to the low quality of the fire-elemental treasures he had absorbed. This fiery snake, however, was clearly distinct.

This revelation sparked a flurry of thoughts in Lu Ye's mind. It now appeared that Yuan Se's willingness to challenge Shang Chengyue to a duel stemmed entirely from his reliance on this Fire Gourd. Furthermore, his opening move was a decisive strike, with no hint of a preliminary probe, demonstrating Yuan Se's urgency and profound trust in this artifact.

The small fiery snake glided, its speed seemingly moderate, yet the numerous white lights Shang Chengyue had launched earlier seemed to melt away instantly. The figure, rapidly lunging towards Yuan Se, abruptly changed direction, exclaiming softly, "An artifact!"

Shang Chengyue clearly recognized the extraordinary nature of the small fiery snake and dared not directly engage it. Instead, he moved nimbly, continuously dodging. Yet, no matter how he tried to evade, he could not escape the fiery snake's relentless pursuit, and on several occasions, the situation became extremely perilous.

Yuan Se held the Fire Gourd in one hand and formed hand seals with the other, his gaze fixed intently on Shang Chengyue's figure, his spiritual sense surging wildly. Just as the Wind Gourd could become a realm's guardian treasure, the Fire Gourd in his hand was naturally its equal. This was also the most potent offensive treasure in the entire Wanxiang Star System. Upon learning of Nuoshan Palace's attack, he brought this artifact without hesitation. Inviting Shang Chengyue to a duel was precisely his strategy: to use this treasure to eliminate Shang Chengyue first.